Muscat: MUSCAT: In the wake of first-ever outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it is closely monitoring the development of the cases and that it is working alongside the affected countries to control the disease.
This was stated by Dr Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for Eastern Mediterranean when he was interviewed by ONA. He added that the world is currently witnessing an outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease in the United Republic of Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea and that there is presently a slight potential for a global outbreak. The WHO is aiming to prevent an outbreak of MVD by surveilling the virus and helping high-risk countries to lay down readiness plans.
Al Mandhari noted that the WHO is committed to fighting the new health challenge and is closely working with the affected countries and international partners to limit the spread of the disease and protect public health. The international organisation seeks to enhance ways of verifying MVD suspected cases and providing necessary measures for protecting the health workers and local communities.
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Earlier, Oman's Ministry of Health stated that MVD is highly contagious and with a death rate of 60 per cent to 80 per cent. 'We urge citizens and residents not to travel to these two countries unless absolutely necessary,” MoH statement said.
'The Ministry would like to note that efforts are being made to contain the outbreak in its current geographical scope. The Ministry advises the public, at present, to postpone travel to the countries affected by Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) unless absolutely necessary,' it added.
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